1796 George Washington Letters Congress Revolutionary War Crossing Delaware &c. For Sale

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Official Letters to the Honorable American Congress,

Written, during the War between the

United Colonies and Great-Britain,

By His Excellency

George Washington,

Commander in Chief of the Continental Forces,

Now President of the United States.

Copied, by Special Permission, from the Original Papers Preserved in the Office of the Secretary of State, Philadelphia.

Boston: Manning & Loring, 1796. Second edition of this tremendous work with the fabulous frontispiece engraving of Washington. 340pp. Original leather boards, worn but handsome still, nicely rebacked. Some toning within, mostly quite neat, clean and crisp.

An exceedingly historic volume, covering the years 1775 & 1776. Wonderful detailed letters from Washington concerning the Revolutionary War - militia, troop readiness, ammunition needs, clothing needs, battles, New Jersey, New York, Trenton, White Plains, Staten Island, Hessians, General Howe, Benedict Arnold, Bunker's Hill, &c. Congress created the Continental Army in 1775 & John Adams nominated George Washington to be commander-in-chief.Washington’s wisdom and military skills are made clear here, as is his ability to be exceptionally polite and civil under the most trying of circumstances. Text is complete (one corner missing from a leaf, no text loss). A remarkable piece of Americana.

New York, July 10, 1776:"...Agreeable to the request of Congress, I caused "THE DECLARATION" to be proclaimed before all the army under my immediate command; and have the pleasure to inform them that the measure seemed to have their most hearty assent,--the expressions and behavior, both of officers and men, testifying their warmest approbation of it...."

Head-Quarters, Trenton Falls, Dec. 9, 1776: “I did myself the honor of writing to you yesterday, and informing you that I had removed the troops to this side of the Delaware. Soon after, the enemy made their appearance...I have this morning detached Lord Sterling with his brigade, to take post at the different landing-places, and prevent them from stealing a march upon us from above....From several accounts I am led to believe that the enemy are bringing boats with them....Under these circumstances, the security of Philadelphia should be our next object....In the mean time every step should be taken to collect force, not only from Pennsylvania, but from the most neighborly states. If we can keep the enemy from entering Philadelphia, and keep the communication by water open for supplies, we yet may make a stand....”

Newtown, December 29, 1776:"I am just setting out to attempt a second passage over the Delaware with the troops that were with me on the morning of the twenty-sixth. I am determined to effect it if possible; but know the difficulty on account of the ice, which will neither allow us to cross on foot, nor give us easy passage with boats....I have taken every precaution in my power for subsisting the troops, and shall, without lots of time, and as soon as circumstances will admit of it, pursue the enemy in their retreat,--try to beat up more of their quarters,--and, in a word, in every instance, adopt such measures as the exigency of our affairs requires, and our situation will justify."

Photographs Below.

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with more to come in upcoming days.

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